The South Indian film fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its most revered icons. Sankaramanchi Janaki, widely recognized by her screen name Sowcar Janaki, passed away on Friday afternoon in Chennai. She was 94 years old.
Family members reported that the nonagenarian had been suffering from age-related health issues and experienced a severe decline in her condition recently. She was immediately rushed to Kauvery Hospital in Chennai, where she received ongoing medical care until she breathed her last around 2:00 PM on Friday.
Tributes and Final Respects in Chennai
Following her passing, Nassar, the president of the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes' Association), released an official statement confirming the news and expressing deep condolences on behalf of the film community.
To allow friends, admirers, colleagues, and cinema enthusiasts to pay their final respects, her mortal remains will be placed at her residence on Cenotaph Road in Teynampet, Chennai, starting from 5:00 PM on Friday.
The Rise of a Screen Legend
Born as Tekumalla Janaki on December 12, 1931, in Rajahmundry, located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, her path to stardom began at a very young age. She stepped into the world of feature films in 1950 with the landmark Telugu release Shavukaru, produced by the prestigious Vijaya Vauhini Studios.
Her compelling debut performance made such an indelible impression on audiences and critics alike that the movie title permanently attached itself to her identity. From that moment onward, she was affectionately and professionally known as "Sowcar" Janaki.
A Multi-Lingual Legacy Across Seven Decades
Over a luminous career spanning more than seven decades, Janaki established herself as a versatile power in South Indian cinema. Demonstrating exceptional linguistic adaptability and emotional depth, she crossed regional boundaries to act in nearly 380 motion pictures across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi screen productions.
Known for taking on complex, emotionally charged roles alongside the leading men of successive eras, Janaki remained active well into her advanced years. She made her final silver screen appearance in the 2023 Telugu feature film Anni Manchi Sakunamule, bringing a majestic wrap to an extraordinary cinematic voyage that touched generations of moviegoers.